Opinion

Related Topics:

Recent Posts

Opinion: The trouble with Trump’s ‘visa-tracking system’

By: |
Lohoff

In Phoenix earlier this week—as on his official website—Donald Trump promised “enhanced penalties for overstaying a visa. Millions of people come to the United States on temporary visas,” he claims, “but refuse to leave.” Trump’s solution? “Completion of a visa tracking system.”

Each year, 45 million nonimmigrant visitors come to these shores. The Department of Homeland Security estimates that 1.17 percent of them overstay their visas. So, for starters, Trump’s “enhanced penalties” are a solution is search of a problem. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Opinion, Department of Homeland Security, Donald Trump, Immigration

Opinion: Vet licensing bill would only benefit private company

By: |
Forcier

A good job with a stable employer who values you can be a hard thing to come by in Montana. But now two organizations are not only seeking to make that more difficult, but may also put some people out of a job with legislation they are planning to propose for the 2017 Montana Legislature. The Big Sky Veterinary Technician Association (BSVTA) and the Montana Veterinary Medicine Association (MVMA) have circulated pieces of draft occupational licensing legislation for comment by local veterinary practices. (more…) Continue Reading →

Filed under: Opinion, Big Sky Veterinary Technician Association, Montana Legislature, Montana Veterinary Medicine Association, State Board of Veterinarians

Taking a seat for America

By: |
Crisp

Learning that San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick had refused to stand for the National Anthem reminded me of the one time I sat down for social justice. Kaepernick said he was protesting oppression of black people in the United States. His NFL employer, perhaps taking into account the liberal politics in Moscow on the Pacific, issued a grown-up statement: “In respecting such American principles as freedom of religion and freedom of expression, we recognize the right of an individual to choose and participate, or not, in our celebration of the national anthem.” It was a brave stand in a league where standing up for America is just good business. A report by U.S. Sens. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Opinion, Abilene Christian University, Colin Kaepernick, Donald Trump, San Francisco 49ers, Sarah Palin

Montana Viewpoint: Treaties and sovereignty

By: |
Jim

The Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP, is an international trade treaty among 12 Pacific Rim nations (with the notable exception of China). It is an important issue in the coming election, and it is important to know why. The treaty has been put in its final form through largely secret negotiations by the trade representatives of the countries involved and is now waiting to be ratified by the governments of the 12 nations. President Obama wants it, but there is some doubt that the Senate will approve it. (more…) Continue Reading →

Filed under: Opinion, NAFTA, President Obama, TPP

Opinion: Everything has water flowing through it

By: |
Lake

Editor’s Note: This essay is part of “Sacred Water,” Environmental Health News’ ongoing investigation into Native American struggles—and successes—to protect culturally significant water sources on and off the reservation. We grew up learning a tradition of respect for water, hearing our Elders praying with water. Water is a part of every second of our lives, everything has water flowing through it, everything has life. (more…) Continue Reading →

Filed under: Opinion, Crow Nation, Environmental Health News, Guardians of the Living Water

Politicians, and their critics, get tough grades

By: |
DC

My insect antennae went up as soon as I saw the grade on the political mailer: F.

I give out a lot of B’s and C’s, and the occasional D, but not many F’s. They are usually reserved for students who don’t show up to class, don’t do the work or steal the work of others. So what crimes had Rep. Kelly McCarthy, D-Billings, committed to deserve a grade of F from Americans for Prosperity, the Bozeman-based arm of the political action group funded by the Koch brothers? AFP flunked McCarthy on three issues: He voted for Obamacare expansion, against income tax reform and against school choice. Well, at least McCarthy voted. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Opinion, Americans for Prosperity, charter schools, Kelly McCarthy, Robyn Driscoll

Opinion: Again, Missoula is ready to welcome refugees

By: |
Engen

Editor’s Note: Missoula Mayor John Engen wrote this guest editorial for the Missoulian and we are reprinting it here, with his permission. We wanted people to know what leadership looks like, particularly at a time when too many politicians are shamelessly pandering to voters’ worst instincts, stoking fears and making scapegoats of some of the most desperate, defenseless people on earth. I was 13 when the first Hmong refugees began arriving in Missoula from a place about which I knew nothing; a country across the planet I didn’t know existed. (more…) Continue Reading →

Filed under: Opinion, Hmong, International Rescue Committee, John Engen, Missoula, Soft Landing Missoula

Opinion: Will GOP be party of Lincoln or Trump?

By: |
EB

Political parties change over time, sometimes reversing roles, sometimes disappearing. Today’s GOP has undergone many transformations since its birth in the 1850s as the successor to the Whig Party. The Republican Party was founded on and ultimately found its legitimacy as the abolitionist, anti-slavery party before and after the Civil War. Abraham Lincoln, America’s 16th and arguably greatest president, was its voice and identity. (more…) Continue Reading →

Filed under: Opinion, Abraham Lincoln, Donald Trump, Hubert H. Humphrey, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Strom Thurmond

Pay no mind; words no longer matter

By: |
DC

A spokesman for Donald Trump’s presidential campaign defended his statement on Monday that Hillary Clinton “lacks the mental and physical stamina to take on ISIS” by saying that Trump was referring to policy differences. “Mental and physical stamina” is a synonym for “policy”? OK, I thought: It is official. Words no longer mean anything at all. It’s kind of a relief. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Opinion, Donald Trump, Greg Gianforte, Hillary Clinton, Judith Curry